Monday, 3 October 2011

Work: Missing in Action

The Ottawa Arts and Heritage Plan focuses on developing the cultural identity of Ottawa. It envisions Ottawa as a thriving centre for local cultural activity and develops a 20-year plan for realizing that vision.

In April 2011 the Worker's History Museum was one of many groups which submitted proposals to the City of Ottawa as part of the 20/20 renewal process. After consultation with various groups, city staff developed draft plan revisions. These are currently being discussed at open houses where the public is invited to comment on the proposed revisions

Unfortunately, there is nothing in the renewal proposal that deals with work or workers. In our opinion, work and workers are an essential part of Ottawa's art, culture, history and heritage. Whatever the reason it was omitted, work is such an important part of everyone's life, and it should not be ignored. Workplaces, working class culture, and the culture of those who work and their families should be included in the Ottawa Arts and Heritage Plan.

If you agree with the idea that Work is important, and should be included in the plan, please attend the last Open House and express your opinion on Wednesday, October 5th at the Richcraft Theatre, Shenkman Arts Centre, from 6:30 to 9pm